Taglines: The shocking story of an unbelievable miscarriage of justice.
Let Him Have It movie storyline. Derek Bentley (Christopher Eccleston) is an illiterate, epileptic young adult with developmental disabilities who falls into a gang led by a younger teenager named Chris Craig (Paul Reynolds). During the course of a robbery in which Bentley is encouraged to participate by Craig, the two become trapped by the police.
Officers order Chris to put down his gun. Bentley, who by this time has already been arrested, shouts “let him have it, Chris” – whether he means the phrase literally (let him have the gun) or figuratively (open fire) is unclear. Chris begins firing, killing one officer and wounding another. Because he is a minor, Chris is given a prison sentence for the crime.
Meanwhile, Bentley is sentenced to death under the English common law principle of joint enterprise, on the basis that his statement to Chris was an instigation to begin shooting. Bentley’s family begin an effort for clemency which reaches Parliament.
Let Him Have It is a 1991 British drama film directed by Peter Medak and starring Christopher Eccleston, Paul Reynolds, Tom Courtenay and Tom Bell. The film is based on the true story of Derek Bentley. The true story of the case ended with Bentley hanged for murder under controversial circumstances on 28 January 1953.[2] While Bentley did not directly play a role in the murder of PC Sidney Miles, he received a greater punishment than the gunman (who was 16).
Let Him Have It (1991)
Directed by: Peter Medak
Starring: Tom Courtenay, Christopher Eccleston, Eileen Atkins, Rebecca Eccleston, Peter Eccleston, Craig Turner, Clare Holman, Serena Scott Thomas, Paul Reynolds
Screenplay by: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade
Production Design by: Michael Pickwoad
Cinematography by: Oliver Stapleton
Film Editing by: Ray Lovejoy
Costume Design by: Pam Tait
Art Direction by: Henry Harris
Music by: Michael Kamen
MPAA Rating: R for language and violence.
Distributed by: Fine Line Features
Release Date: December 6, 1991
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